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Phillies fall short in Burnett's Grapefruit debut

Gwynn collects two hits, Ruiz draws bases-loaded walk against Pirates

3/2/14: Ryan Howard dives to grab a grounder to the right side, gloving the ball and flipping to A.J. Burnett covering first for the out

By Todd Zolecki
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MLB.com |

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- A.J. Burnett faced his former team on Sunday afternoon in a Grapefruit League game between the Phillies and Pirates at Bright House Field.

Burnett, who signed a one-year, $16 million deal with the Phillies last month, tipped his cap to the Pirates before he allowed one hit, one run, two hit batters and struck out one in two innings in a 4-1 loss. Burnett pitched for the Pirates from 2012-13, helping the club reach the postseason last year.

"I might have planned it that way," Burnett joked, when asked about making his first Grapefruit League start against the Pirates. "It was good to see them."

Burnett allowed his only run in the first inning, although he probably should have escaped without it. He allowed a one-out double to Gregory Polanco and hit Pedro Alvarez with a pitch with two outs. Chris Dickerson then hit a ground ball to Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis, who scooted over toward second base for the forceout.

Carlos Ruiz drew a bases-loaded walk in the fifth to get the Phillies on the scoreboard, while Tony Gwynn Jr. went 2-for-4.

Pirates right-hander Stolmy Pimenthal allowed one hit and struck out one in two scoreless innings. Dickerson drove in the Bucs' first two runs, plating Pedro Alvarez with a double in the third inning.

"I've been working on the same thing with my mechanics, my delivery, being in control. I tried to do what I can do," Pimentel said. "I feel pretty good today. I used all my pitches and I'll keep working on my fastball command."

Up next for the Phillies: Right-hander Roberto Hernandez makes his second Grapefruit League start on Monday afternoon against the Rays in Port Charlotte, Fla. Hernandez was roughed up in his last start as he could not control his fastball, keeping everything up in the strike zone. Also scheduled to pitch are Jeff Manship, Phillippe Aumont, Justin De Fratus and Mike Stutes. The latter three are competing for jobs in the Phillies' bullpen.

Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.